Date:11/12/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/12/11/stories/2004121105181800.htm

Sport - Athletics

I can never watch serious films: Anju

By A. Vinod

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, DEC. 10. It's slightly more than three months since Anju Bobby George attempted to earn the elusive Olympic track and field medal. And though the failure still continues to bother her, the 27-year-old Anju has gathered her wits in the last two months and is already focussed on the coming season.

In the city in connection with an official function, Anju was her usual self as she listed out her priorities for 2005 in an extensive interview with The Hindu on Thursday, which was peppered with interesting throwbacks on how she spent the last two months relishing scoopfuls of chicken biriyani, her favourite dish, and watching films, mostly comedies.

"I can never imagine myself to get to watch serious films and those filled with stunts. Not even on holidays because as an athlete, I am always keyed up. Comedies, in contrast, help you relax and lighten up the mood. But sadly, it is now all over as I have started training for the new season," Anju said.

Having stayed away from the track for the better part of the last two months, Anju will be trying to regain her fitness during the next two weeks. "Now, it is just jogging a round or two at the SAI centre in Bangalore. Not even stretching exercises. I shall continue with the same schedule through the next couple of weeks before taking a week's break to celebrate Christmas and the New Year."

However, Anju and her husband, Bobby George, have already chalked up a tough regimen for the coming months and a stint of training abroad. "Since the biggest meet of the next year is the World championship, I hope to touch peak form by then."

Anju, who brought home India's first medal from the World championship by landing the bronze in long jump in 2003, also revealed her plans to head towards Brunei soon after the New Year. "I have been offered training facilities in Brunei, which they say is first class. So, we are planning to go over there and check it out. If we are satisfied, we shall remain there for a few months."

In case this doesn't work out to her satisfaction, Anju already has a back-up plan in mind. "In the event of the facilities in Brunei not measuring up to our expectations, then we will either be moving over to Australia or to the Crystal Palace in London. Bobby's brother is now in London and he has already got in touch with the officials at the Crystal Palace seeking their help if we decide to train over there."

Besides the World championship in Helsinki, Anju will also be participating in the next year's Asian championship and all the three legs of the Asian GP. "I never had the opportunity to take part in the Asian championship so far and we are committed to participate in it next year. Also, one needs to take part in lighter competitions before heading for major meets and this is the reason why we decided to compete in the Asian Grand Prix."

Anju, however, is yet to finalise her schedule for the Golden League and Super Grand Prix meet at the world-level. "It would all depend on the invitations we receive over the next few months. But then, the availability of visas, too, would be a determining factor, as I would like to avoid the problems that we faced in this regard last year. To remain home after having committed to take part in a meet, for the want of a visa, is quite embarrassing. However, I should be taking part in at least six to eight Grand Prix or Golden League meets next season."

The long jumper, currently ranked No. 6 in the world, said that she was planning to look out for a new job some time next year. "I have been employed with the Customs as a Preventive Officer through the last six years. But, for all my achievements I am yet to receive an extra increment or a promotion. So, I think, if there is a good job offer from some other department, it will be only wise on my part to take it up."

Anju is also confident that she would be able to cross the 7m-barrier in the coming season. "Well, it should have happened by now. I feel I will be able to achieve it during the coming season itself. It is well within my reach and I am confident about crossing that mark soon. If things had gone well in Athens, I would have achieved it during the Olympic final itself. But then, nothing worked out in my favour on that crucial day as I was struck down with allergy. That I was able to touch 6.83m under such circumstances was quite a surprise to myself."